Lake Erie College in Painesville recently announced the launch of its new Center for Nonprofit & Civic Engagement, a community-focused initiative designed to strengthen nonprofit organizations, civic institutions and the people who lead them across the region.<\/p>\n
The center will serve as a hub for professional development, leadership training, civic education, workforce preparation and applied learning, according to a news release. By connecting nonprofit professionals, civic leaders, students and community partners, the initiative aims to enhance organizational effectiveness, support workforce development and reinforce the college\u2019s role as a partner in advancing the public good.<\/p>\n
The center is led by Amy Sabath, executive director of career services & workforce development and nonprofit & civic engagement, who guides its strategic direction and oversees programming designed to connect education with real-world impact.<\/p>\n
\u201cNonprofit and civic organizations are facing increasingly daunting and complex challenges \u2013 from leadership transitions to workforce shortages,\u201d Jennifer N. Schuller, president of Lake Erie College, said in the release. \u201cThis Center reflects our commitment to supporting those organizations while preparing our students to lead with purpose, integrity, and real-world experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Center for Nonprofit & Civic Engagement addresses a growing need for accessible training, collaboration and support within the nonprofit and public sectors, and it will provide a centralized platform for learning and engagement while helping students and emerging professionals pursue meaningful, purpose-driven careers, according to the release.<\/p>\n
Core program areas of the center include:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Leadership, governance and organizational effectiveness: Practitioner-led support in strategic planning, board development, organizational assessments and leadership coaching.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Executive and peer learning networks: CEO and executive director advisory groups, quarterly collaboration meetings and advancement-focused roundtables.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Facilitation and consulting services: Professional facilitation and short-term consulting for nonprofit boards, leadership teams and community organizations.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Civic engagement and public service education: Training on ethics, governance, compliance, public policy and civic leadership topics.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Executives in residence program: Experienced nonprofit and civic leaders will mentor students, support organizations and provide real-world insight through teaching, advising and applied projects.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Education, workforce development and career pathways: Internships, applied-learning opportunities and career development initiatives connecting students with nonprofit and civic careers.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Networking and information sharing: Community convenings, a regional nonprofit events calendar and a bimonthly newsletter featuring job opportunities and sector resources.<\/p>\n
Housed at Lake Erie College, the center will play a key role in advancing the institution\u2019s mission by expanding hands-on learning opportunities for students, strengthening partnerships with employers and community organizations and positioning the college as a leader in nonprofit and civic engagement, according to the release.<\/p>\n
The center is guided by an advisory board of regional leaders, including Mike Benz, Dennis Eckart, Morris Beverage Jr., Brent Buckley and Schuller.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve spent my career in and alongside nonprofit organizations, and I understand both the complexity of the work and the critical role these leaders play in our communities,\u201d Sabath said in the release. \u201cThis Center is designed to provide practical support, meaningful connections, and real-world learning opportunities that strengthen organizations while preparing the next generation of leaders.\u201d<\/p>\n